Fancy Fiddlers Compete in Iowa State Fair Contest

DES MOINES, IA (08/15/2012)(readMedia)-- Lacey Partlow of Stuart fiddled her way to another grand championship title at the 87th Annual Fiddlers' Contest judged Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the 2012 Iowa State Fair. Partlow also received this distinction at the 2011 Iowa State Fair.

Jimmy Lee Christensen of Newton was the first runner-up.

Qualifying contests for the grand championship were held Friday through Sunday. The winners of the 18-49 age division and 50 and older age group then advanced to the grand championship.

Additional results below:

Under Age 17 – Friday, August 10

1) Benjamin McClure, 17, Des Moines

2) Samantha Greer, 17, West Des Moines

3) Sarah Bell, 13, Indianola

4) Ed Henning, 13, Chelsea

5) Wyatt Jamison, 13, Des Moines

Ages 18 to 49 – Saturday, August 11

1) Lacey Partlow, 22, Stuart

2) Peter Bailey, 18, Otley

3) Amy Greer, 20, West Des Moines

4) Andrew Conley, 25, Urbandale

5) Angie Lennie, 33, Ottumwa

Ages 50 and Over – Sunday, August 12

1) Jimmy Lee Christensen, 60, Newton

2) Bettie Swarts, 66, Indianola

3) Leon Johnson, 66, Mitchellville

4) Jerry Wahl, 55, Searsboro

5) Margaret Ward, 66, Des Moines

The contest was part of "Rural Americana Olde Tyme Competitions" in Farm Bureau Pioneer Hall. A first prize of $5 and ribbons were awarded to each class.

"Nothing Compares" to the 2012 Iowa State Fair, August 9-19. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines, and are open 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. each day of the Fair. Exhibit hours may vary. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.